By Julius Mugaga Tukacungurwa/Umoja Standard.
Kampala-Uganda: Makerere University’s Department of Journalism and Communication (DJC)on Friday launched two new Master’s Programmes, The Masters of strategic and Corporate Communication and Masters of Journalism and Multimedia, pioneer students to kick start academic year 2022/2023.
DR. Aisha Nakiwala Head of Department of Journalism and Communication (DJC). Photo by Julius Mugaga Tukacungurwa.
Department’s head Dr. Aisha Nakiwala stressed that it is a big milestone and would like in the near future to upgrade a full School.
She showed concerns over Campus FM whose frequency was given out by Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) seeking its revival as it will highly complement the programmes.
She added they need a multimedia studio, Campus Television and University Newspaper.
The programmes Coordinator at Department of Journalism and Communication Dr. Marjorie Kyomuhendo stated that 38 students have enrolled for Masters of Strategic and Corporate Communication and 9 for Masters of Journalism and Multimedia.
She revealed that there was stiff demand amongst students for the two programs but tghey were able to start with these in the first cohort.
Ms. Gloria Sebikari the Manager Corporate Affairs Petroleum Authority of Uganda (PAU). Photo by Julius Mugaga Tukacungurwa.
As a keynote speaker at the launch, Ms. Gloria Sebikari the Manager Corporate Affairs Petroleum Authority of Uganda (PAU) called on department staff to ensure the two programs live to provide a solution for the gap in information and to transform the society through practice.
Speaking on behalf of Makerere University Vice Chancellor, Dr. Umar Kakumba the Deputy Vice Chancellor Academic Affairs promised University’s commitment towards responding to concerns of Department of Journalism and Communication (DJC) which among them include restoration of Campus FM, establishing a Television station, University Newspaper and upgrading the Department to a School.
Important to note.
The launch of the two programs (The Masters of strategic and Corporate Communication and Masters of Journalism and Multimedia) were possible because of Norwegian Programme for Capacity Development in Higher Education and Research for Development (NORHED) and Commonwealth Fund who were significant in the development of the programmes.